THE optimism surrounding the potential £70m Glass Futures innovation centre coming to St Helens is hugely encouraging.

Business, political and regeneration leaders have been working hard over the past year to pull together a convincing argument to secure the development for the town.

And all the comments coming out of this week’s polished announcement about the proposed site – former United Glass land adjacent to Saints stadium – appear confident.

As the Star, has written previously, St Helens needs a game-changer and to create a centre that would once again make the area a world leader in pioneering glass innovation certainly fits the bill.

Given our glorious industrial past, it would give the town a chance to repeat its history and be a platform for a stronger future.

The key factor now will be securing funding from government.

And if ministers are really serious about creating a Northern Powerhouse and rejuvenating “towns that have been left behind” then they should pave the way for St Helens to grow.